Painful Veins In Pregnancy

Around 15% of pregnant women develop painful ropy veins in the legs. These veins spread in single or both legs and can include the vulvar area as well. They are different when occurring in pregnancy as they are larger compared to non-pregnant women. They may get worse with each subsequent pregnancy. Simple exercises in pregnancy can prevent their occurrence. Exercises with the use of elastic supports of the leg are used as a treatment of varicose veins. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary, but these are usually avoided in pregnancy. Rarely women may require termination of pregnancy to save them from these painful veins.